Lead

82Pb207.2

Properties

Symbol

Name

Atomic
Number

Atomic
Weight

Group
Number

Pb

Lead

82

207.2

14

Description

Standard State: solid at 298 K Color: bluish white

Lead has been known for a long time and is mentioned in Exodus. The alchemists
believed lead is the oldest metal and associated it with the planet Saturn. Native Lead occurs in nature, but it is rare. Lead is mainly obtained from galena
by a roasting process. It is very resistant to corrosion. Back in the time of
Romans emperor, they used lead as drain in baths that had their emblem on them are still
in use today. Its alloys include solder type metal, and various antifriction metals.
Great quantities of lead, both as the metal and as the dioxide, are used in storage
batteries. It is also used as an antiknock additive in gasoline.